Magbegor leads Opals' chase for World Cup gold

The countdown is officially on to the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Germany, and one of the key factors in Australia winning a medal will be the play of superstar Ezi Magbegor.

The 27-year-old big has established herself as one of the most important players in Sandy Brondello's side, after countless strong performances on the world stage.

Magbegor, currently shining for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA, has steered the Opals to four major tournament bronze medals since 2018, including one silver and two bronzes at the World Cup and a bronze at the 2024 Olympics.

Now the former UC Capitals and Melbourne Boomers star, who will be attending her third World Cup, is ready to make her country proud, while trying to win another medal for Australia.

"I'm looking forward to being back with the national team and representing Australia in front of my friends and family," Magbegor said to Basketball Australia.

"Being an Opal means a lot. You don't get the chance to represent your country often, and I'm so grateful for the culture that we have created. It really is an honour to be a part of.

"I also hope they see the joy that we play with."

Joining Magbegor on the Opals squad, which features nine players who will line up in WNBL27, are WNBA stars Alanna Smith (Dallas), Jade Melbourne (Seattle), Isobel Borlase (Atlanta), Sami Whitcomb (Phoenix) and Steph Talbot (Las Vegas).

Australia, who are in Group C of the September 4-13 tournament in Berlin, first play Puerto Rico on September 4, before games against Türkiye and Belgium.

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup squad:

- Zitina Aokuso (Adelaide Lightning)
- Chloe Bibby (Chicago Sky/WNBA)
- Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit and Atlanta Dream/WNBA)
- Isobelle Bourne (Sydney Flames)
- Alex Fowler (Townsville Fire)
- Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm/WNBA)
- Jade Melbourne (Bendigo Spirit and Seattle Storm/WNBA)
- Steph Reid (Tasmania Jewels)
- Alanna Smith (Dallas Wings/WNBA)
- Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning and Las Vegas Aces/WNBA)
- Sami Whitcomb (Perth Lynx and Phoenix Mercury/WNBA)
- Ally Wilson (Sydney Flames)

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup schedule:

- Australia v Puerto Rico - Friday, September 4 - 7.30pm AEST
- Australia v Türkiye - Sunday, September 6 - 7.30pm AEST
- Australia v Belgium - Monday, September 7 - 7.30pm AEST

Read the full story here >> Magbegor's World Cup calling